Check the Refrigerator’s Age: A typical refrigerator has a 10- to 20-year lifespan. The longer you have had your refrigerator, the greater the potential repair cost, says The Money Pit. If the refrigerator is less than eight years old, consider repair. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacement.
According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it’s likely time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator is not energy-efficient, you may want to consider replacing it before it stops working.
Can a fridge last 15 years?
Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you’re having any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you’ll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that’s already on its way out.
Should I keep a 20-year-old refrigerator?
If your 20-year-old fridge has been running well, and only needs minor repairs once in a while, then it is worth keeping it, instead of replacing it. Though, if it ends up needing a major repair, then you should think about replacing the fridge.
Things You Should Know. High-quality fridges should last at roughly 15 years or so, so if your refrigerator is older than 10 years old and it starts acting up, you’re better off replacing it.
Why are older fridges better?
A 20-year-old refrigerator could use 1,700 kWh of electricity every year, compared with about 450 kWh for a similarly sized new ENERGY STAR model. At an electrical cost of 12 cents per kWh, that represents a savings of $150 per year and a potential payback of about 7-9 years.
Is a 14 year old refrigerator worth fixing?
But, as a good rule of thumb, if you have multiple faulty parts or if your refrigerator is over ten years old, it is probably time to replace it. Consumer Reports recommends replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.
What brand of refrigerator has the least problems?
Top-freezers, as a category, have the highest predicted reliability. Despite these high marks, most top-freezer brands were rated low in terms of owner satisfaction. Within the category, five of the nine brands earned top-notch ratings for predicted reliability: Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool.
What refrigerator has the longest life?
GE French Door Refrigerator.
Samsung Counter-Depth Side by Side.
LG Side by Side.
Can appliances last 20 years?
Most kitchen appliances, washing machines, and dryers will last up to 15 years. However, HVAC appliances can last up to 25 years. It’s essential to consider the lifespan of the appliance. If you’re asking, when should I get a new appliance, and your machine is still working, there’s no need to rush out and replace it.
Why do old refrigerators last so long?
Older Appliances Were Designed to Last: The parts were simple and easy to fix, so people could keep their appliances running for much longer than they can today. Unlike modern appliances, which have complex electronics and computerized components that can be expensive to repair or replace.
Can a fridge last 40 years?
A refrigerator can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The older your unit is, the more it may cost to repair it. Eventually the cost of repairs will start to outweigh the cost of a replacement.
Compared to their lower-cost counterparts, luxury appliances are built with superior materials for a higher quality performance meant to last a lifetime.
Should I buy a 10 year old fridge?
Age: A fridge that has been around for more than a decade is probably too old. While appliances of the past are known for their quality craftsmanship, they aren’t as energy efficient as you’d like them to be. Even a very low-cost item could turn out to be expensive in terms of utility bills.
Are refrigerators more efficient than 20 years ago?
A refrigerator produced to the 2014 standard (still the current standard) is about 29- 32% more efficient than one produced during the period 2002-2008. Greater efficiency units built to the 2014 standard translates to a savings of about 160 -175 kWh per year.
Why do 1970s refrigerators last so long?
They were made using simple parts — and perhaps more importantly — parts that were fixable. In fact, appliances manufactured in the 1970s often last from 30 to 50 years. Should an appliance break, there was a simple fix, such as replacing a hose, to get it working again for another decade or two.
Who makes the most reliable refrigerators?
Best overall refrigerator brand: LG.
Best budget refrigerator brand: Frigidaire.
Best high-end refrigerator brand: Sub-Zero.
Best smart refrigerator brand: Samsung.
Best energy-efficient refrigerator brand: Whirlpool.
Most reliable refrigerator brand: GE.
Are older fridges safe?
Older fridges can have a number of other hazardous chemicals hidden in their mechanical parts. Those built before 2000 likely contain a small amount of mercury in switches and relays that professional appliance recyclers can recover for reuse.
Is a freezer safe at 15?
It’s pretty easy to remember: Your freezer temperature should be set to a chilly 0° Fahrenheit or below (-18° Celsius or below). Food stored at 0° Fahrenheit or below is safe to eat indefinitely (although quality and taste may be compromised as time passes).
What is the most expensive thing to fix on a refrigerator?
The control board is one of the most expensive refrigerator parts to fix, at between $80 and $800, because no part of the appliance can function without it. If your fridge has completely stopped working, it probably has something to do with your control board. The higher-end the brand, the more you can expect to pay.
Fridge is More than 10 Years Old: Typically, the average age for a refrigerator is around 10 years but it may break down early or may last longer. If your fridge is around 10 years old, you may want to start considering purchasing a new one.
What is the average cost of a new refrigerator?
A mid-range refrigerator costs between $1,000 and $2,000. With this budget, you shouldn’t have any issues finding a model that suits your style. In addition, you can get additional features like an ice dispenser and temperature control.
What are the top 5 best refrigerators?
Best For Families: Samsung Family Hub French Door Refrigerator.
Most Unique Features: Bosch 800 Series Refrigerator.
Best Bottom Freezer: LG LRDCS2603S Refrigerator.
Best For Organization: LG Instaview Refrigerator.
Best External Water Dispenser: GE Profile French Door Refrigerator.
Which refrigerators need least repairs?
Most Reliable Refrigerator: Refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom are more likely to need repair than top freezer refrigerators. Bottom freezer refrigerators of all brands with an ice dispenser are more likely to have problems than bottom freezer refrigerators that do not have an ice dispenser.
What is the most common fridge failure?
Temperature Problems: The most common refrigerator problem is a refrigerator not cooling. Obviously, having your fridge keep food cool is a necessity, so this issue needs to be addressed quickly.
Do bottom freezer refrigerators have more problems?
Heavier Items on the Bottom: Frozen foods can be weighty, especially frozen turkeys and hams. Because your freezer is on the bottom, removing these items will require more work. This can be a safety concern for seniors and anyone who has trouble bending and lifting heavier objects.
What is the average life of a refrigerator compressor?
That said, modern compressors are both durable and efficient. Although plans for a replacement should start around eight years of service, a well-maintained compressor can reach to ten years and beyond.
Is Whirlpool same as Kenmore?
Whirlpool makes washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators that bear the Kenmore badge. In addition to Whirlpool-branded appliances, the company also manufactures Amana, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, and Maytag kitchen and laundry appliances.
Can we use fridge more than 10 years?
Refrigerators usually last for a period of 10 to 20 years with the cost of repairs increasing with the passage of time. If your refrigerator hasn’t crossed the 8-year mark, fridge repair would be the better option. If it has been more than 15 years, opt for a new fridge.
Is there a best time of year to buy a refrigerator?
When it comes to sale season, our experts recommend May as a good time to buy a new refrigerator. That’s typically when new models hit the stores—and last year’s get discounted. Of course, major sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day usually offer discounted rates on select fridges as well.
